Section: E84 X1
May 3rd, 2011
Automotive News is reporting what many of us had expected. Due to surprising demand in more profitable markets BMW is delaying the launch of the X1 in the US until late 2012. While BMW is keen to talk about the success of the X3 and that the X1 would simply be a niche vehicle, we can’t help but think if the X1 was built at a more exchange-rate friendly plant, there would be a very different decision. With gas prices high and the US public clamoring for more fuel efficient cross-overs, it would seem the time for the X1 is now.
Jan 21st, 2011
Want an X1 with some M window dressing? BMW has you covered with the new M Sport Package available this spring on the X1. The M Sport specification sees 17-inch star-spoke M alloy wheels, chrome plated door sill finishers with M designation, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim for the window surrounds, M Sport multi-function steering wheel, Sport seats and Anthracite headlining added.
The option will be available this spring and in the US at launch early next year. Our take? We’d rather have one of these.
Jan 19th, 2011
Today BMW took the wraps off of the next generation of four cylinder engines today with the launch of the X1 28i. But don’t let the model launch fool you. Today is about this new N20 245 hp four cylinder turbo which will find it’s way into almost every BMW model range (up to the 5 Series) in the years ahead. But the best part? It’s coming to the US.
BMW TwinPower Turbo technology gives the new four-cylinder engine the sort of power which naturally aspirated engines can only achieve through more cylinders and substantially larger displacement. The four-cylinder engine with its all-aluminium crankcase (including a motor sport-derived bedplate) is lighter and more compact than a six-cylinder engine of equivalent power. It’s also much more fuel efficient. But more on that in a minute.
First lets talk about the weight. Reducing the weight of engines is paramount to BMW’s lighter weight strategy for future products. And the most important place for weight reduction dynamically speaking (except for the roof) is over the front axle. Reducing front axle load increases agility and turn-in. It’s one of those core characteristics that gives many BMW’s that feel we all love. (Full specifications after the break)
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Jan 18th, 2011
What you’re looking at is an early look at the X1 the US will likely get in less than 12 months time. The key ingredient? An incredibly powerful 245 hp 2.0 four cylinder twin scroll turbo-charged engine. It’s enough to motivate the all wheel drive X1 28i to 62 mph in only 6.1 seconds. That’s a full .7 better than the previous naturally aspirated six cylinder model. We’ll have more on the engine that will be replacing the base inline six in just a bit. Until then read on for the full press release on the X1 28i and the new M Sport package offered on the X1 range.
Official Release: With its powerful, sporty and elegant styling, supreme agility, luxurious functionality and innovative equipment features, the BMW X1 is a trailblazer in the premium compact segment in terms of driving pleasure. Yet again premium carmaker BMW has successfully transplanted the BMW X model concept to a new vehicle segment to create a unique product. Now the BMW X1 is breaking new ground, this time in terms of the BMW EfficientDynamics programme. The new BMW X1 xDrive28i is the brand’s first four-cylinder petrol model with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which comprises High Precision Injection direct petrol injection, a charge system based on the twin-scroll principle, double-VANOS variable camshaft timing and VALVETRONIC variable valve control.
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Jan 12th, 2011
We confirmed yesterday that BMWNA has pushed back the X1 launch for the US market to the fall of 2011. The reason given? There is simply lots going on with BMW marketing and product launches. However, during our conversation it also became clear that launching this car in the US isn’t a huge priority for BMW AG when it comes down to profits. For starters, the X1 is selling very well in Europe – where it’s made. Profit margins will be razor thin on the model in the US given the Euro to Dollar exchange rates and simply pushing out the launch may help BMW financially.
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Nov 17th, 2010
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Note: It’s a short(ish) show this week due to a special BimmerCast later today involving a world premier. Stay tuned.
This week we start off talking about the X1 and BMW’s plans for its smallest crossover in the largest market. And yes, we dish a few things that you won’t read anywhere else. Then turning out attention to the X6, 5er GT we ask the question, why? And more importantly why an X6 and no 130i hatchback.
And then we get to the most important questions, what happened to the wagons?!
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Nov 11th, 2010
Over the last month we have received a lot of inquiries into the X1, specifically in regards to the US market. While details remain scarce we have some new information that may answer some of your questions.
The X1 is BMW’s latest foray into the small crossover market, something that was made possible by increasing the size of the X5 and X3 when compared to the first generation vehicles. The X1 shares much of its structure and technology with the beloved E91 3 Series Wagon. In other words, the X1 does not have much of anything new for us stateside that we have not already seen as far as packaging for the price.
We like to think of the X1 as basically a wagon on steroids- which is a bit smaller than the older X3. With love it or hate it styling and enough space for two children in boosters to sit comfortably in the back it will be BMWs entry level 4 door model (since we do not see the 1 Series 5-door hatch)
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Sep 20th, 2010
BMW is clearly looking to move to the next step of in-car electronics. With the new X3 (which the F20 1 Series and F30 3 Series will be loosely based on) BMW is introducing two Apple related accessories and one iPhone app that signal a seismic shift in the way they integrate electronics into new cars. Most media outlets are focusing on the iPad holder as the key piece. However, much more interesting to us is the iPhone integration both physically and in terms of software.
For years, long development cycles for cars have meant that technology was often much slower to find it’s way on a dashboard than in your living room. The simple fact that car companies spend years working on a car’s electronics before if even reaches the marketplace has historically put the industry behind when it comes to integrating modern technology. But that is slowly changing. And now MINI (with MINI Connected) and BMW (with BMW Link) have thrown down the gauntlet and said that the future lies on devices that are as important outside the car as they are inside.
But why is BMW Link not just cool but brilliant? Because the features live on the device side (your iPhone) in the form of an App. Updates can be made at any time and pushed to the user over the air. That moves new entertainment features from the product side to the software side and that means it’s cheaper and easier for everyone.
For instance lets say BMW has a killer new feature that it wants to release on the 2012 3 Series. In the past that would mean that 2011 owners would be out of luck. Now it means they simply need to update their iPhone app.
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